The San Antonio Spurs have hired Ettore Messina of Italy to be an assistant under head coach Gregg Popovich.
Messina comes to San Antonio from Russia, where he coached European power CSKA Moscow. He is a two-time Euroleague coach of the year and has also coached in Italy. He served as a coaching consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011-12.
The Spurs have long been at the forefront of the NBA's international movement. Embracing that style of play, and opening their doors to players from overseas, has been one of the biggest reasons for the team's sustained success.
Popovich said Tuesday he's "honored'' to have Messina join his staff. --AP